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Guilty plea over Essendon doping scandal

Essendon admit they failed to provide their players with a safe workplace during the ill-fated 2012 supplements regime that continues to haunt the club legally and financially.

Representatives for the Bombers on Monday indicated the club would plead guilty to two offences under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

The maximum fine the club faces is $305,000.

Essendon blamed the ongoing supplements saga for a net loss of more than $1.3 million in the 2015 season.

WorkSafe Victoria says Essendon, at the end of 2011 and in 2012, gave players supplements without taking necessary steps to reduce potential health risks.

The watchdog says the club should have done the following before they administered substances to players:

* Give the club doctor a summary of all clinical findings of a substance, its known and possible short and long-term side effects and a statement it did not contravene any World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) guidelines.

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* The club doctor should then make a recommendation about the suitability of the product for Essendon players.

* If the substance is recommended by the club doctor, players should be given a letter of consent to sign.

"Essendon players were exposed to risks to their health and safety by your failure to provide and maintain the system of work described," WorkSafe Victoria documents before the Melbourne Magistrates Court say.

Essendon are charged with failing to provide and maintain a working environment and system of work that is safe and without risks to employees.

The club is due back in court for a plea hearing on December 22.

The AFL was also investigated by WorkSafe in the wake of the supplement scandal, but no charges were laid.

Ex-player Hal Hunter, a rookie on Essendon's list from 2011 to 2013, has flagged suing the Bombers and the AFL for exposing him to health risks.

The Supreme Court of Victoria last week granted Hunter access to thousands of documents that were generated during the AFL's investigation into the supplements program.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport is also considering an appeal by WADA challenging the AFL anti-doping tribunal's March verdict that cleared 34 current and past players.